There is nothing like having friends to help us grow into who we truly are. J.F. recounts: 

One day, after Church, I met a girl who had a car and gave me a ride home. When she was leaving the parking lot, I asked her: “Who are your pals I saw you talking to?” – She answered: “They are not my “pals”, they are my friends”. 
What she said had a big effect on me, it made me think a lot. I was pursuing a degree in a business school and I was part of a student club: I would spend a lot of time with the other members, to study, to party... It was an important part of my social life. And yet, at times, I would get the impression that I was not where I belonged. I realized that I was not always being my authentic self in this circle; even though I got along very well with everyone, that group would not help me grow, or progress on the path of goodness, beauty, and truth. 
During that same period of time, I started to make a very different group of friends. They were all a bit “mad”, but very cheerful – they were fervent Christians. They loved Jesus with all their heart, and prayed together. And most importantly, there was so much joy inside that group. Unfeigned and sound joy. They became wonderful friends. There was such a so much kindness between us and shared desire to build each other up. As I see it, I found my true self thanks to them. In that moment, I understood what actual friendship is.”

Pals or friends ?

  A friend or a group of friends should meet two criteria: 

1. Do you feel free with them? (do you feel more like yourself in their presence?) 
2. Do they lift you up? (Do they want your wellness above everything else, are they genuine and frank with you, while remaining well-intentioned? Do they aspire to grow with you in goodness, beauty, and truth?) 

Today, ask yourself these questions with the guidance of the Lord.